Side-bar baton system

ABSTRACT

A side-bar baton system for providing a baton that is easier to control while providing a commanding impact force upon a subject. The side-bar baton system includes an elongate first handle, a second handle attached traversely to the first handle and an elongate engaging member extending from the handle. The second handle is attached to the first handle by a shaft threadably positioned within the first handle. The handles and engaging member are preferably constructed of nylon. The engaging portion may include an interior cavity toward a distal portion thereof filled with a weight. The weight is preferably comprised of a fluid particulate material such as lead to reduce bouncing when engaging a subject or object. The handle preferably includes a plurality of radial grooves within creating a plurality of radial ridges for increasing the gripping by a user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. PATENT APPLICATION

[0001] I hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code,Section 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. Number 09/795,034 filed Feb.26, 2001. This application is a continuation-in-part of the Ser. No.09/795,034 application. The Ser. No. 09/795,034 application is currentlypending. The Ser. No. 09/795,034 application is hereby incorporated byreference into this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to baton devices and morespecifically it relates to a side-bar baton system that is easier tocontrol while providing a commanding impact force upon a subject.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Conventional baton devices have been in use for years.Conventional baton devices are commonly utilized by law enforcementpersonnel such as police for self-defense and criminal apprehension. Aconventional baton device is typically constructed of a rigid,one-piece, elongate structure of a solid cross section and having asmooth outer surface. Conventional batons may be comprised of solidsteel, plastic, or wood. Gripping covers made of foam or rubber areavailable for attachment about the handle of the baton to increase thegripping of the baton during usage.

[0006] The main problem with conventional baton devices is that they areeasily damaged or broken when utilized. A broken baton provides reducedprotection for law enforcement. Another problem with conventional batonsis that they are difficult for a person to grasp within their hand andcan be accidentally removed from the person's hand. A further problemwith conventional batons is that they are prone to “rebounding” afterengaging an object making the batons difficult to operate and control.Also, some batons constructed of flexible materials are prone to bendingwhen engaging an object.

[0007] Examples of patented baton related devices which are illustrativeof such prior art include U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,967 to Moe; U.S. Pat. No.6,135,888 to Hindi; U.S. Pat. No. 5,568,922 to Siddle; U.S. Pat. No.5,320,348 to Starrett; U.S. Pat. No. 4,667,958 to Raitto; U.S. Pat. No.5,295,687 to Bedard; U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,140 to Starrett; U.S. Pat. No.4,687,131 to von Braunhut.

[0008] While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose towhich they address, they are not as suitable for use by individuals forself-defense and criminal apprehension. Conventional batons are easilybroken or damaged over time and are difficult to utilize.

[0009] In these respects, the side-bar baton system according to thepresent invention substantially departs from the conventional conceptsand designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatusprimarily developed for the purpose of providing a baton that is easierto control while providing a commanding impact force upon a subject.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the knowntypes of baton devices now present in the prior art, the presentinvention provides a new side-bar baton system construction wherein thesame can be utilized for providing a baton that is easier to controlwhile providing a commanding impact force upon a subject.

[0011] The general purpose of the present invention, which will bedescribed subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new side-barbaton system that has many of the advantages of the baton devicesmentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a newside-bar baton system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious,suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art baton devices, eitheralone or in any combination thereof.

[0012] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises anelongate first handle, a second handle attached traversely to the firsthandle and an elongate engaging member extending from the handle. Thesecond handle is attached to the first handle by a shaft threadablypositioned within the first handle. The handles and engaging member arepreferably constructed of nylon. The engaging portion may include aninterior cavity toward a distal portion thereof filled with a weight.The weight is preferably comprised of a fluid particulate material suchas lead to reduce bouncing when engaging a subject or object. The handlepreferably includes a plurality of radial grooves within creating aplurality of radial ridges for increasing the gripping by a user.

[0013] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofmay be better understood, and in order that the present contribution tothe art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of theinvention that will be described hereinafter and that will form thesubject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0014] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not beregarded as limiting.

[0015] A primary object of the present invention is to provide aside-bar baton system that will overcome the shortcomings of the priorart devices.

[0016] A second object is to provide a side-bar baton system forproviding a baton that is easier to control while providing a commandingimpact force upon a subject.

[0017] Another object is to provide a side-bar baton system that is noteasily broken or damaged over extended periods of time of usage.

[0018] An additional object is to provide a side-bar baton system thatis easy to grasp and maintain control of.

[0019] Another object is to provide a side-bar baton system that has aweight filled end to provide a commanding impact force withoutdramatically increasing the overall weight of the baton.

[0020] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeobvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects andadvantages are within the scope of the present invention.

[0021] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, thisinvention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawingsare illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specificconstruction illustrated and described within the scope of the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of thepresent invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomesbetter understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0023]FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 2 is side view of the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

[0026]FIG. 4 is an exploded top view of the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of the present inventiongrasped by an individual.

[0028]FIG. 6 is a magnified upper perspective view with a portion of theengaging member cutaway.

[0029]FIG. 7 is an exploded upper perspective view of the presentinvention.

[0030]FIG. 8 is a cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0031] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similarreference characters denote similar elements throughout the severalviews, FIGS. 1 through 8 illustrate a side-bar baton system 10, whichcomprises a first handle 28, an elongate second handle 30 attached tothe first handle 28 and an elongate engaging member 20 extending fromthe second handle 30. The second handle 30 and engaging member 20 arepreferably constructed of nylon. The engaging portion includes aninterior cavity 22 toward a distal portion thereof filled with a weight50. The weight 50 is preferably comprised of a fluid particulatematerial such as lead to reduce bouncing when engaging a subject orobject. The second handle 30 preferably includes a plurality of radialgrooves 32 within creating a plurality of radial ridges 34 forincreasing the gripping by a user.

[0032] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the firsthandle 28 and the engaging member 20 form an elongate structure havingvarious lengths between 1-4 feet. The engaging member 20, the firsthandle 28, and the second handle 30 are preferably constructed of asingle solid structure with the engaging member 20 extending from thefirst handle 28. The first handle 28, second handle 30 and the engagingmember 20 are preferably constructed of a nylon material for reducingflexing and breakage during usage.

[0033] A desirable material for constructing the first handle 28, thesecond handle 30 and the engaging member 20 is manufactured under thename NYLATRON by DSM ENGINEERING PLASTIC PRODUCTS. NYLATRON is comprisedof conventional nylon filled with molybdenum disulphide to improve itsstrength and rigidity, NYLATRON provides increased heat resistance,tensile strength and flexural strength compared to conventional nylon.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 of the drawings, the second handle30 includes a rounded end portion 36 with a plurality of grooves 32radially turned into the second handle 30 forming a plurality of radialridges 34. The second handle 30 is an elongate solid structure as shownin FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 of the drawings. The radial ridges 34preferably have a width less than the width of the grooves 32 as bestillustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings. The grooves 32 preferablyhave a concave cross section for providing an orthogonal upper portionfor the ridges 34.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings, the second handle 30 includesa concentric aperture 31 extending within an end opposite of the endportion 36. The aperture 31 snugly receives a shaft 40 that isthreadably inserted into the first handle 28 as best shown in FIG. 3 ofthe drawings. The shaft 40 is comprised of a threaded portion 42 and anupper portion 44, wherein the upper portion 44 has a relatively smoothouter surface. The second handle 30 is preferably pressed upon the shaft40 utilizing conventional machinery.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 5 through 7 of the drawings, the second handle30 includes a pair of flanged portions 38 that extend outwardly. Theflanged portions 38 have curved inner portions for fitting about thefirst handle 28 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 of the drawings. The flangedportions 38 further prevent rotations of the second handle 30 upon theshaft 40 during usage thereof thereby preventing accidental removal ofthe second handle 30 from the shaft.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 of the drawings, the engagingmember 20 is an elongate structure extending from the distal portion ofthe engaging member 20. The engaging member 20 has a width similar tothe width of the first handle 28 as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Theengaging member 20 and the second handle 30 preferably have a circularcross sectional shape as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 of the drawings.

[0038] The engaging member 20 may be comprised of a solid structure asshown in FIGS. 3 and 6 of the drawings. However, the distal portion ofthe engaging member may have an interior cavity 22 within that is sealedwith a cap member 24 as shown in FIG. 8 of the drawings. The interiorcavity 22 defines a volume and is less than ⅓ of the length of theentire engaging member 20. The interior cavity 22 is partially filledwith a weight 50 preferably comprised of a particular material such aslead. The particulate material for the weight 50 may be comprised ofother materials such as steel, copper and the like.

[0039] The particulate material is preferably spherical in shape tofacilitate smooth and easy movement of the material within the interiorcavity 22 during usage. The cap member 24 is sealed within the distalend of the engaging member 20 for retaining the particulate weight 50within. The weight 50 provides an increased “sweet spot” when engaging asubject or an object. In addition, the weight 50 reduces the bouncing ofthe end of the engaging member 20 from the subject or object afterengagement.

[0040] In use, the user grasps the first handle 28 and/or the secondhandle 30 prior to swinging the side-bar baton system 10 as illustratedin FIG. 5 of the drawings. When the user swings the side-bar batonsystem 10 towards an object or subject, the particulate weight 50 withinthe interior cavity 22 is shifted toward the distal end of the engagingmember 20 as shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings. After engaging the subjector object with the end of the engaging member 20, the particulatematerial of the weight 50 is repositioned within the interior cavity 22toward the point of impact thereby reducing the bounce affect andmaintaining an increased contact time with the subject or object. Theuser thereafter repositions the side-bar baton system 10 into the strikeposition for usage again if necessary.

[0041] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operationof the present invention, the same should be apparent from the abovedescription. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the mannerof usage and operation will be provided.

[0042] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realizedthat the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of theinvention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form,function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed to bewithin the expertise of those skilled in the art, and all equivalentstructural variations and relationships to those illustrated in thedrawings and described in the specification are intended to beencompassed by the present invention.

[0043] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only ofthe principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modificationsand changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

I claim:
 1. A side-bar baton system, comprising: an elongate shafthaving a first handle and an engaging member, wherein said engagingmember includes an interior cavity within a distal portion thereof; asecond handle attached traversely to said first handle; and a weightmovably positioned within said interior cavity.
 2. The side-bar batonsystem of claim 1, wherein said weight is comprised of a particulatematerial.
 3. The side-bar baton system of claim 2, wherein saidparticulate material is comprised of a lead material.
 4. The side-barbaton system of claim 3, wherein said lead material is comprised of aplurality of spherical lead particles.
 5. The side-bar baton system ofclaim 4, wherein said lead material comprises at least 80 percent of avolume of said interior cavity.
 6. The side-bar baton system of claim 4,wherein said lead material comprises at least 90 percent of a volume ofsaid interior cavity.
 7. The side-bar baton system of claim 5, whereinsaid interior cavity is exposed through an opening within a distal endof said engaging member and including a cap member secured within saidopening for retaining said lead material within said interior cavity. 8.The side-bar baton system of claim 1, including a shaft having athreaded portion and an upper portion, wherein said threaded portion isthreadably positioned within said first handle, an aperture extendinginto an end of said second handle for snugly receiving said upperportion, and a pair of opposing flanged portions extending from saidsecond handle for preventing rotation of said second handle upon saidshaft.
 9. The side-bar baton system of claim 1, wherein said elongateshaft is constructed of a nylon material.
 10. The side-bar baton systemof claim 1, wherein said nylon material is comprised of nylon filledwith molybdenum disulphide.
 11. A side-bar baton system, comprising: anelongate shaft having a first handle and an engaging member comprised ofa solid material; a second handle attached traversely to said firsthandle; a shaft having a threaded portion and an upper portion, whereinsaid threaded portion is threadably positioned within said first handle;an aperture extending into an end of said second handle for snuglyreceiving said upper portion of said shaft; and a pair of opposingflanged portions extending from said second handle for preventingrotation of said second handle upon said shaft.
 12. The side-bar batonsystem of claim 11, wherein said elongate shaft is constructed of anylon material.
 13. The side-bar baton system of claim 11, wherein saidnylon material is comprised of nylon filled with molybdenum disulphide.